On June 9, OCAD University award honorary doctorates to five remarkable individuals who have been leaders of change, having had a direct impact on arts and culture in Canada and around the world.
“We are thrilled to honor these inspiring individuals who have left indelible marks in their respective fields, making positive change possible,” said Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD U.
2023 Honorary Doctorate Recipients
Kat Holmes has influenced some of the biggest names in technology, including Microsoft, Google and Salesforce, where she currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Design Officer. Holmes is internationally recognized as a leader in inclusive design. His award-winning inclusive toolkit has been inducted into the Smithsonian Institution’s Cooper Hewitt Design Museum.
Robert Houle is one of the most influential Indigenous artists in the contemporary art world. Over his 50-year career, Houle – a contemporary Anishinaabe Saulteaux artist, curator, educator, writer and critic – has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between contemporary Indigenous art and the Canadian art scene.
Philip B. Lind is known as the “Right Hand” who guided the success of Ted Rogers, hence the title of his memoir, co-written with Robert Brehl. As one of the founders of Rogers Communications, Lind helped grow Rogers into a multi-billion dollar empire in less than four decades.
Nancy McCain has played a transformative role in supporting arts and culture in Canada. A passionate community builder, she helps guide efforts to connect philanthropy to Toronto’s most pressing needs as Chair of the Toronto Foundation. She has made significant contributions to arts and cultural institutions including the National Arts Centre, National Gallery of Canada Foundation, Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Arts Access Fund, Sobey Art Foundation and the Soulpepper Theater Company.
Rosemary Sadlier has been at the forefront of countless initiatives to educate the public about Black Canadian history. She is one of the original driving forces to ensure the commemoration of February as Black History Month, as well as Emancipation Day, at all levels of government in Canada. An accomplished author, she has written seven books on the important contributions of black people to Canada.
OCAD University is a world-renowned center for education, research, innovation and creativity in art and design. The university, located in Toronto, Canada, takes collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change through art, design curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.
To learn more, visit ocadu.ca.
